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We didn't bat well enough: Rahul Dravid

Rajasthan were knocked out of the IPL playoffs’ race after losing Friday’s match by five wickets.

Hyderabad: Rajasthan Royals’ captain Rahul Dravid refused suggestions that their batsmen crumbled under pressure in a must-win situation and simply said that they did not bat well enough against Deccan Chargers. Rajasthan were knocked out of the IPL playoffs’ race after losing Friday’s match by five wickets.

"I don't think it was the pressure. We did not play good cricket. [We] should have recognised it was a 150-wicket [and] not more. [There is] disappointment in the dressing room," Dravid said. The former India skipper also defended his decision to bat as they posted a modest 126 for 8 and went on to lose. "I don't look at stats [statistics] too much. We need to look at our own strengths. It was a bat-first wicket, but we did not bat too well," he said, adding that they would try to "deliver in front of fans at home" when they play Mumbai Indians in their last game on Sunday.

Cameron White, who led Deccan in place of Kumar Sangakkara, was relived to finally register a win in front of home fans. "I hope the jinx of losing here is gone for the next game and for the next season. It was a good team effort. We felt we bowled well, and the way the track played, we would have batted first too," he said. The Australian said they felt pressure when they lost some quick wickets near the target. "When you have won only two games in the tournament, there are always nerves," he said.

Deccan take on Royal Challengers Bangalore on Sunday in their final match and White said they are keen to do well. "We need to come back well against [Chris] Gayle and Co. with some plans."

South African speedster and Deccan bowling spearhead Dale Steyn was adjudged Man-of-the-Match for his figures of 2 for 16. "I enjoyed the season a lot. [It] would have been better had we won more," he said after the match. When asked how he prepares for every match, he said, "I don't want to discuss too many of my plans. Teams respect me too much sometimes. My job is to run in, bowl fast and strike early. [I] have been used in different situations, got to do job assigned to you."